Exploring Career Opportunities in Concept Art

Ever wonder how those awesome-looking gaming and film titles came to be? Well, they didn’t materialize out of thin air. They’re the result of work from a lot of creatively-important professionals, including the concept designer. In fact, you can think of the concept designer as the genesis for the idea; without them, the final aesthetic just wouldn’t be possible.

If being involved in the initial development phases of game and movie projects sounds like your dream job, then good news: there’s a growing demand for concept industries in all creative industries, particularly the gaming industry, which is projected to experience significant growth in the coming decade.

In this post, you’ll find a bunch of helpful tips that can make your dream of working as a creative in a dynamic, exciting industry all the more realistic. Let’s dive in.

What is Concept Design?

A concept designer plays an important role in the development of a creative project. They usually help to come up with ideas that shape the vision of the project. While the details and final product will evolve, it’s the concept design team that is credited with the origin of the idea.

You’ll find concept design teams in a wide range of industries, most notably video games, movies, and design.

The Importance of Concept Design

Concept design doesn’t just get the ball rolling for a creative project. It has a significant impact on the final look and feel of the final product. Indeed, take a look back at concept design once a project has been completed, and you’ll usually see just how influential the original concept has been. To see an example of this, take a look at the original concept art behind Pixar’s Toy Story.

Career Opportunities in Concept Design

Concept design is a broad field that offers several different paths. Some common career opportunities include:

Concept Artist: Developing the look of characters.

3D Modeling: Developing the rendered look of the concept.

Environment Designer: Development of the wider aesthetic.

How to Prepare for a Career in Concept Design

A great portfolio is recommended for anyone seeking a role within a creative sector, but it’s especially valuable for would-be concept designers. Putting together a portfolio that showcases a broad range of skills can be enough to get your foot in the door.

Continually developing your artistic skills and keeping up with industry trends is recommended even while job-searching. It’ll ensure that you’re fully ready once your opportunity arrives. You may also consider enrolling in a design school or building your creative skill sets and knowledge by completing online courses in preparation for your new career.

Tips for Landing a Job in Concept Design

Competition for jobs in concept design can be tough, so knowing how to get ahead is essential. Networking and building connections within the industry, as well as creating a portfolio/resume that has been specifically tailored for concept design roles, will be a huge asset.

Don’t underestimate the power of a positive attitude and persistence, either. In a hyper-competitive industry, they can make all the difference.

With demand for video games and other projects higher than ever, there’s never been a better time to explore the various career opportunities available in the concept design field.